Terence Ang's "Thunderstroke" is a moving and deeply personal poetry memoir that documents the author's journey of surviving a stroke. The book opens with a thoughtful preface that introduces the titular concept: a "Thunderstroke" is a moment of profound, life-altering change that shifts one's reality in an instant. Ang's reflection on life's fragility and the suddenness of such an event sets a powerful stage, inviting readers who have navigated their own defining moments of grief, uncertainty, and change to join him on this poetic path. Through his verses, Ang explores universal themes of survival, transformation, and resilience, offering both solace and direction.

The poetic memoir's structure guides the reader through the distinct phases of Ang's recovery. It's divided into three primary chapters, each marking a crucial stage in his journey. The first chapter, "A Cry in the Dark," immerses the reader in the immediate aftermath of the stroke. The poems here convey the overwhelming silence and darkness, the profound emotional turmoil, and the physical isolation of being trapped within his own body. It captures the struggle of finding fleeting moments of strength amidst a feeling of abandonment by his own physical abilities.

The second chapter, aptly titled "Thunderstroke," represents a critical turning point—the clash between the author's physical limitations and his powerful will to heal. This section marks the beginning of his rebirth and the emergence of resilience. The poetry in this chapter reflects the difficult but hopeful journey of rebuilding, teaching readers about finding hope and learning to trust in their own ability to overcome.

Finally, the third chapter, "The Light," signifies a shift from active struggle to a more peaceful acceptance and healing. Here, Ang's work embraces life's natural pace, sharing the lessons he learned from slowing down. He discovers power in simplicity and finds beauty in the unexpected moments that emerge after the storm.

Woven throughout the poetic memoir are heartfelt interludes that provide additional context. "The Silent Storm" defines the moment of the stroke itself, describing the profound physical and emotional upheaval, including his struggle with aphasia. "The Dawn of Resilience" offers a glimpse into the cultural expectations of self-reliance in Singaporean society, while also highlighting the support he received from community organizations and the transformative power of combining his writing with art during recovery. The final interlude, "Embracing the Journey, Defying the Odds," serves as a direct message of advice and encouragement to other stroke survivors, urging them to embrace their unique recovery journeys and find strength in ordinary moments.

The central thesis of "Thunderstroke" is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for recovery and renewal. Ang's poetic memoir acts as a personal chronicle, providing tangible evidence of his passage from darkness to light. This memoir stands out from other works on similar topics by uniquely blending a raw, personal narrative with the expressive power of poetry, creating an account that is not only deeply moving but also genuinely transformative.

Written in an accessible style, the book speaks to a broad audience, including stroke survivors, their families, and anyone who has faced a profound life change. Readers will undoubtedly find solace, inspiration, and practical wisdom for navigating their own journeys of recovery and resilience within its pages.